All flotation suits sold after 1 July 2009 must feature a structure that is more advanced than before in order to protect users in cases of emergency. The Finnish Consumer Agency will make market surveillance of flotation suits on the Finnish market throughout 2009.

Studies show that flotation coveralls do not meet the safety requirements that are set for personal protective equipment. For example, a study conducted by the Consumer Agency and Finnish Institute of Occupational Health revealed in spring 2007 that the flotation suits which were tested limit the user’s movements, restrict the user’s field of vision and make hearing and breathing difficult. When wet, flotation suits were too heavy and bulky to use and they did not support the user enough in the water without the user having to act. The flotation position of the suits was not stable, and when wearing them it was difficult to swim or act during a rescue.

Personal protective equipment creates a sense of safety for the consumer, in turn influencing the way in which he or she thinks and acts. As regards flotation suits, this feeling is misleading.

To ensure and further develop consumer safety, the Consumer Agency published guideline on the safety requirements of flotation suits in June 2008. The instructions cover all flotation suits that consumers have access to as well as other products with a similar purpose of use, regardless of the name that the products are provided in their respective marketing.

From September 2008, it has been possible to provide flotation suits to consumers only if the flotation suits or their sales package very clearly brings to the consumer’s attention the fact that the product alone does not sufficiently protect a user who is afloat and that a life-jacket, flotation jacket or similar product must always be used simultaneously with flotation suits. It has been made mandatory to provide this information at the location where the product is being sold in the form of a notice that is easily detected, orally during the respective sale and in its marketing materials.

All flotation suits that are sold after 1 July 2009 must be more technically advanced than before. Manufacturers must especially observe the special requirements as set by the Finnish climate and weather. In the future, manufacturers and resellers should also consider whether it would be appropriate to develop coveralls for different purposes of use and for all the various user groups, such as fishers, ice fishers and boaters.

The safety requirements as stated in the government decree (1406/1993) on personal protective equipment also apply to flotation coveralls. Companies must have in their possession the documents that are required by law concerning the type certification of personal protective equipment. Flotation coveralls must not be type approved according to the standards SFS-EN 393 or SFS-EN ISO 12402-5. The standard SFS-EN 393 has been replaced by the standard SFS-EN ISO 12402-5, the scope of which one-piece flotation wear, or flotation coveralls, is not a part.

The manufacturer, importer and seller of flotation suits are all equally responsible for ensuring that consumers are only provided safe products. The Finnish Consumer Agency will make market surveillance of flotation suits on the Finnish market throughout 2009. are all equally responsible for ensuring that consumers are only provided access to safe products.

The Consumer Agency’s instructions on the safety of flotation coveralls

Wearing flotation coveralls can be risky, Consumer Agency Press Release 23 February 2007